In talking about his book Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialist World, David Epstein frequently mentions the “zigzag,” the shift in career trajectory, the shunting from one hobby or art or sport to the next, the benefits of roaming. While Epstein’s book focuses a good deal on youth and early specialization, specifically the problematic strategy of “pick and stick,” he also writes and speaks about adult concerns: career zigzagging and the benefits of changing your mind. Epstein investigates highly successful athletes, musicians, inventors, scientists and others, and as the book blurb states, he “shows how sampling widely, experimenting relentlessly and juggling many interests—developing range—is the key to success.” Epstein argues that the circuitous path often leads to one’s true passions and gifts, to the right fit.
In exploring Epstein’s work, I found myself pondering how roaming, having a wide range of experiences, also benefits the spirit. Specifically, I find myself wondering if wide-ranging experiences don’t foster empathy in ways similar to reading broadly. Many studies demonstrate that reading literature—particularly fiction—increases empathy and emotional intelligence. Empathy is about imaginatively stepping into another’s shoes, feeling with them because we have either experienced something close to what they experience or come to relate to their experience some other way. Often this involves being in relationship with someone who has tread that path. Fiction can also help us relate to people from wildly divergent paths…. {Read the remainder of the article on Patheos HERE.}
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I love Ani diFranco. I love 32 Flavors. And I love that I'm finally embracing being a generalist. What helped me do that was the framework of Human Design, which helped me clearly see that I'm not just one thing, I never will be, and success is not going to come from trying to trim to myself into being a specialist. We live in a specialist culture but that's not me and the more freedom I have to move between roles/activities/interests/tasks/topics/disciplines...the better--both for me and those around me. I've always appreciated your multi-talentedness, Tricia and your curiosity about multiple subjects and the freedom you've given yourself to be and do several things. I appreciate your reflection on how this way of living cultivates empathy. Here's to zigs and zags and more fit than grit. Well said. As always. :)